Dharavi to Be Redeveloped on the Lines of Singapore and Hong Kong; Citizens’ Interests to Remain Top Priority: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Planning Must Ensure Completion of the Project Within the Scheduled Timeline

India’s First Multi-Modal Transport Hub to Be Developed in Dharavi

Mumbai, June 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that the redevelopment of Dharavi be carried out on the lines of modern housing developments in Singapore and Hong Kong. At the same time, he emphasized that the interests, livelihoods, and unique local character of Dharavi’s residents must remain at the heart of the project. He also instructed authorities to ensure that the redevelopment is completed within the stipulated timeframe.

The directions were issued during a review meeting of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project held at Sahyadri Guest House under the Chief Minister’s chairmanship. Among those present were Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, Pranav Adani, Managing Director Anil Sardana, Ajit Barodia, and senior government officials. Sardana made a detailed presentation on the project.

Residents Must Remain at the Centre of Redevelopment

Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is not merely a construction initiative but a comprehensive development programme aimed at improving the lives of Dharavi residents. He stressed that the people living in Dharavi must remain the focal point of all redevelopment efforts.

He directed that Dharavi’s existing industrial and social ecosystem should be preserved. While commercial development forms a component of the project, public welfare must receive the highest priority. Since the project is being implemented for the benefit of residents, protecting their employment opportunities and means of livelihood is essential, he said.

Preserving Dharavi’s Cultural Identity

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of Dharavi’s famous Kumbharwada area, noting that it is not merely a pottery-making hub but an important part of Dharavi’s cultural and tourism heritage. Many visitors to Dharavi specifically visit Kumbharwada, making it a significant attraction.

He instructed officials to hold discussions with stakeholders and devise suitable solutions to preserve the area’s unique identity and heritage.

Focus on Environment and Green Spaces

The redevelopment plan includes the creation of a Nature Park, which Fadnavis said should be implemented in its intended form. He also directed planners to maintain environmental balance by undertaking tree transplantation and extensive new plantation drives as part of the project.

Target of Delivering 10,000 Homes by 2028

Describing Dharavi Redevelopment as a highly ambitious project, the Chief Minister said that at least 10,000 homes should be handed over to eligible residents in the first phase by 2028.

To accelerate implementation, he instructed that a dedicated facilitation cell be established to provide all required approvals and clearances through a single-window mechanism. He also called for process re-engineering to ensure faster decision-making and project execution.

Fadnavis expressed confidence that with effective coordination among all departments, the project would be completed on time and provide Mumbai with a new global identity.

Employment, MSMEs and Women’s Empowerment

Officials informed the meeting that the project is designed not only around housing and infrastructure but also around the needs of residents, workers, and local industries.

Special emphasis is being placed on employment generation, women’s empowerment, protection of small enterprises, and the development of modern infrastructure.

A dedicated MSME plan is being prepared to safeguard Dharavi’s major industries, including leather processing, textile manufacturing, recycling businesses, pottery, and food production. Plans are also underway to develop modern cloud kitchen facilities for food entrepreneurs.

Eligible residents will receive new homes equipped with separate kitchens, bedrooms, toilets, and adequate natural lighting. Dedicated sanitation facilities for women will also form an important part of the redevelopment plan.

Officials informed the meeting that development of railway land, construction of rehabilitation buildings, relocation of certain slum settlements, rehabilitation of railway employees, and environmental clearance processes are progressing in phases. Adequate funding is available, and the project is moving ahead according to schedule.

India’s First Multi-Modal Transport Hub

One of the project’s most significant features will be the development of India’s first state-of-the-art multi-modal transport hub in Dharavi.

The hub will integrate Western Railway, Central Railway, Harbour Railway, and multiple metro corridors. Future connectivity with the high-speed bullet train network is also being considered.

Passengers will have access to a city check-in facility, allowing them to check in their luggage in Dharavi before travelling to the airport via an Airport Express service. The presentation stated that the objective is to provide world-class transport facilities similar to those available in Singapore and Hong Kong.

In addition, a fast jetty service will be developed to provide water transport connectivity to the airport. Plans also include the creation of a vertiport to support future air taxi services.

As a result, rail, metro, road, waterway, and air transport services will be integrated at a single location.

BKC–Dharavi Corridor to Be Transformed

Under the redevelopment plan, the corridor between Dharavi and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) will undergo extensive beautification. The area will feature green boulevards, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and modern urban design.

Modern residential and commercial projects will also be developed on the land currently occupied by bus depots. These initiatives are expected to transform the Dharavi-BKC region into an area of international standards.

Project Completion Targeted Within 10 Years

Officials informed the meeting that rehabilitation buildings within Dharavi are planned to be completed within 42 months, while rehabilitation work in the Matunga area is expected to take 39 months.

The first phase of the project is targeted for completion and handover by March 2028. Overall, the entire Dharavi Redevelopment Project is planned to be completed within the next ten years.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Lokesh Chandra, Principal Secretary Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi, Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) Aseem Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) O.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge, Planning Secretary Shaila A., Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee, Dharavi Redevelopment Project CEO Mahendra Kalyankar, MHADA Vice-Chairman and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal, Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agrawal, District Collector Aanchal Goyal, and representatives of the project developer.